172 CLASS AVES. * 



care that they can be brought to propagate in a state of 

 domestication. 



On the other hand, the caudal plumes of the cock are very 

 broad. These birds have frequently two feathers pendant in 

 an arch, along each tier of a tail, which is for the most part 

 vertical ; the head has constantly a part denuded of feathers, 

 covered by a flabby skin, which is sometimes elongated in a 

 single flowing barbie, sometimes in two appendages, and 

 which sometimes surmounts the head in the form of a fleshy 

 crest. In others, the naked skin only occupies the cheeks. 

 These birds, beside, have a much less sensitive constitution 

 than the pheasants, and are more easily accustomed to every 

 variety of temperature, a fact, which their existence in 

 almost every country of the earth, even in the coldest, most 

 irrefragably proves. 



Such are the principal reasons which have induced M. 

 Temminck to separate the cocks from the pheasants. 



On the generic characters of the text we must enlarge a 

 little. The bill is moderate, conical, and arched ; the nostrils 

 are basal, lateral, and half-closed by a vaulted membrane ; 

 the toes are four, three in front, one behind. There is a 

 membrane which reaches about as far as the first phalanx of 

 each toe. There are hooked spurs on the tarsi ; part of the 

 head is naked, as well as the front of the neck ; a fleshy 

 crest, most generally, on the head, and prolongations of the 

 same nature under the bill. The first three quills of the 

 wings are the least long, and the external one very short. The 

 cry is similar to that of the domestic cock. 



To these characters may be added, that almost all the 

 cocks, have a certain family resemblance and peculiar air, 

 which, without regarding the difference in the form of the 

 feathers, distinguishes them from the true pheasants. Their 

 attitude is proud ; their gait elastic ; the form of the body, 



